What is a Mini Split Air Conditioner?

Posted on August 26th, 2013

If you have a space in your home that's hard to cool or you're adding on, consider using a mini split air conditioner. These are innovative cooling appliances because they require no ductwork to distribute the cooled air. Our company, Duggan's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, is pleased to offer these because they offer effective cooling, energy efficiency, along with easy installation and simple ongoing air conditioner maintenance.
A mini split has two primary components. The first is the indoor air handler and the second is the outdoor condensing unit. A conduit connects the two and provides the drainpipe, the refrigerant and the power. The hole is far too small to permit ingress into your home.

Efficiency

Since the mini split air conditioner doesn't require ductwork, it has additional efficiency because there are no thermal or air losses through the ducts. These types of air conditioners have to meet the same energy efficiency standards as central systems, which currently stand at 13 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio). Many mini splits have upgrades that increase their efficiency even more.

Installation

This type of air conditioner installation is one of the easiest. The units have the refrigerant installed at the factory, and all the HVAC technician needs to do to connect the air handler with the condensing unit is to connect the conduit. He or she simply drills a hole in the wall and runs the conduit. The smallest mini splits plug into household 110-volt outlets, while larger systems may require their own circuit.

Flexibility

The air handler can hang from the ceiling or wall, and it can also sit on the floor. Larger mini splits can support up to four separate air handlers, making them an attractive option if you want to expand the system in the future. Each air handler has its own thermostat and remote control, so they also offer individuals the ability to set the temperature for their personal comfort.
If you're in the market for a new air conditioner and would like more information about the mini split, please contact Duggan's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. We're a Harlem air conditioner company and you can contact us at 706-733-8703.